Death and the Maiden - Lauriston Studio at Altrincham Garrick

DEATH and the Maiden offers us the two sides of humanity, reminding us of the horrific things we do to each other and the resilience of the human spirit.

Then we come to the difficult issue of forgiving our tormentors, as Paulina Escobar comes face to face with the doctor she believes, oversaw her torture while in prison. We're in an unnamed country, a fledgling democracy emerging from the dark days of dictatorship.

Paulina (a suitably vengeful Tracy Burns) is a mess, psychologically scared by what happened to her while in prison at the hands of vividly described but never seen state thugs. Her beleaguered husband Gerardo (John Keen) isfacing an uphill struggle to keep his wife under control. She wants Dr Roberto Miranda, cultured, refined and oh so middle class, to pay forwhat he did. Paul Wilson, who has consistently impressed me on the Garrick stage, delivers once again here.

All three do have a fantastic script to work with, however, thanks to the intelligent and perceptive writing of Ariel Dorfman.

Venues like the Lauriton are vital, providing a welcome alternative to the largely mainstream productions that grace Altrincham Garrick's main stage.  These are important plays that set us thinking, important stories that must be told. Director Steve Williamson ensures his production packs a powerful punch, there are no laughs here. Highly recommended.

* Until March 4. The box office is on 0161 928 1677. Star rating - ****